Quick No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart
A rich, no-bake tart layering smooth peanut butter filling and chocolate ganache over a crunchy cookie crust. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers melted unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 24 cookies (about 1 1/2 cups crumbs) chocolate sandwich cookies
- 6 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Pulse 24 chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Transfer crumbs to a bowl and stir in 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter until evenly moistened.
- Step 2: Press the cookie crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Refrigerate crust while preparing filling.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 8 oz softened cream cheese, and 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Spread the peanut butter filling evenly into the chilled crust and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, heat 1 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract into the ganache, then pour it evenly over the peanut butter layer.
- Step 7: Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours until the ganache is firm before slicing and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Quick No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Quick No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Quick No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
